Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
234. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Finance if he will broaden the scope of qualifiers for the primary medical certificate to include mental health issues, ADHD and autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42211/23]
View answerThe final report of the NDIS Transport Working Group's review of mobility and transport supports including the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS), endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS, as it is no longer fit-for-purpose on any and all aspects. The proposals note that the most prevalent international practice is to provide for the specific vehicular adaptations needed to improve functional ability for those with a disability and with mobility impairments.
Access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments and agencies. Officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward. My officials are proactively engaging with this work as an important step in considering ways to replace the DDS, as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader consideration of holistic, multifaceted and integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability.
Until a Government decision is made, any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme in line with international practice.
The Government is committed to providing services for people with disabilities which will empower them to live their lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
